06/22/2023
Christmas in July: Any idea where this came from? How long it lasts? Biblical significance? Well- it came from some groups back in the 1930's that wanted to have a "push" of incentive to celebrate more than once a year. (Noble cause perhaps) and it spread to gaining steam with a Hollywood movie called "Christmas in July." Some people see it as a time of getting ready to purchase gifts for the December 25th holiday. Others see it as a time to get 'cooler' in the heat and have some hot chocolate while watching Polar Express and other secular Christmas movies. It can start as early as July 12th and go to July 25th. But is it biblical? No more than celebrating the holiday on Dec 25th being biblical. But who cares in a secular post-Christian society. As long as you have fun and meet with people right? But it can be a good idea in concept. God with Us. Emmanuel! We sing it, we wish for it, why not expect it. So Emmanuel. Where does THAT come from? Well, it's earliest accounts are found in Genesis 28:15. Torah is filled with this concept. 12 times it is explicitly suggested, with more phrases (Like Ezekiel Ch 47-48) painting a glorious picture of Emmanuel. Since Sukkot- (what non-Jewish readers of the bible may see as "Festival of Tabernacles" (Or "booths") is a major Jewish holiday that both the Jews of biblical times celebrates, as well as Yeshua (Jesus) and His disciples, it might be fitting to know that Sukkot is a fall festival that starts Friday Sept 29th. (This year 2023) It lasts 8 days and at the conclusion of the festival Yeshua (John 7:37) basically tells those listening that this holiday is fulfilled in Him. What a remarkable picture. They (festival goers) are parading around the pool of Siloam (Isaiah 12:3) and celebrating a time when God will be with them, He will be their God and they will be His people. Water and wine are drawn from the pool and offered as a celebration of this. Yeshua yells above the crowd and basically shouts- I am He. I am the waters of Living life. How significant for those who believe He is the Messiah. How sad and unfortunate for those who don't believe, or for those "Christians'" who have no idea, no care, or no desire to celebrate that which our Leader taught us. How short sighted is the majority of Chirstiandom to celebrate holidays that have no biblical significance and not celebrate the Holy Festivals that our Lord Yeshua encouraged us too. He is with us. He will never leave or forsake us. Emmanuel. Whether or not you believe.